In a powerful address that charted a new course for Karnataka's heritage city, a former head of India's premier space agency called for Mysuru to reinvent itself as a national startup laboratory. The vision was laid out during a landmark academic ceremony in the city.
A Convocation Call for Innovation
Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), A.S. Kiran Kumar, delivered the convocation address at the 106th convocation of the University of Mysore (UoM). The event, held on 06 January 2026, became a platform for a significant economic and educational blueprint. Kumar emphasised that the city's famed educational sector must break traditional silos and forge robust connections with industry, government, and civil society to fuel a new wave of innovation.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
The core of Kumar's argument centred on the urgent need for synergy. He pointed out that Mysuru, with its rich ecosystem of universities and institutions, possesses immense untapped potential. However, to become a true 'startup laboratory,' a fundamental realignment is required. Educational curricula and research must directly address contemporary industrial challenges and societal needs.
This alignment, he suggested, would create a self-sustaining cycle: students and researchers working on real-world problems, industries gaining access to cutting-edge solutions and talent, and the government facilitating the ecosystem through supportive policies. Civil society's role in adopting and providing feedback for these innovations would complete the loop.
The Path Forward for Mysuru
The former ISRO chief's proposition places Mysuru in a unique position to emulate and build upon the success of other Indian startup cities. His speech implied that the city's strengths—a peaceful environment, established educational heritage, and growing tech presence—are ideal ingredients for nurturing deep-tech and science-based ventures.
The call to action is clear: transform Mysuru from a centre of learning into a dynamic centre of creating, testing, and launching new ideas. This would not only generate economic growth and high-quality jobs within Karnataka but also contribute significantly to India's position as a global innovation leader. The success of this vision hinges on the collaborative will of all stakeholders he mentioned.
As the convocation concluded, the message left with the graduating students and faculty was one of challenge and opportunity. The task now is for Mysuru's institutions, business leaders, and policymakers to heed this advice and collaboratively build the infrastructure, partnerships, and culture needed to make the 'startup laboratory' a reality.
